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The history of Mumbai Mumbai (also known as Bombay) is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India, second most populous metropolitan area in India, and the fifth most populous city in the world, The History of Mumbai, recounts the growth of a collection of islands on the western coast of India becoming the commercial and cultural capital of the nation and one of the most populous cities in the world. Although the islands were inhabited by humans since the Stone Age, the city was founded by Portuguese and British colonists in the 17th century. The city was named Bombay by the Portuguese and it served as the city's official name until 1995, when it was changed to Mumbai, and both names are popularly and commonly used. Its inhabitants are informally known as Bombayites or Mumbaikars.

The present city was originally made up of seven small islands, composing mostly of mangrove forests and marshland dissected by rivers, streams and the sea. Fishing villages and settlements of the Koli and Aagris tribes developed on these islands, and the area became a centre for Hindu and Buddhist and Christian culture and religion under the Maurya Empire. Many of the Koli were christains from the early ages. The ancient port of Sopara served to connect western India with West Asia, and in the 9th century the area came under the rule of the Silhara dynasty, before falling in 1343 to the Muzaffarid dynasty of Gujarat. The arrival of the Portuguese in India in 1498 resulted in them appropriating much of the west coast of India. In 1508, Francis Almeida sailed in the archipelago and named it Bom Bahia or "Good Bay." In 1661 the seven islands were ceded to Charles II of England as the dowry of Catherine de Braganza. The islands were leased to the British East India Company in 1668.

After the death of Asoka, Bombay had been taken over by various Hindu rulers until 1343. Mohammedans from Gujarat took the possession in the same year and ruled for nearly two centuries. Then came the Portuguese in1534 and kept the name 'Bom Baia'. Portuguese built many buildings, churches and forts at Sion, Mahim, Bandra, and Bassien.
The English East India Company took Mumbai on lease from the crown for an annual sum of 10 pounds in gold in the year 1668. They shifted their headquarter from Surat to Mumbai in 1687. They corrupted the Portuguese name 'Bom Baia' to 'Bombay'. Kolis, the original fisher-folk inhabitants of Mumbai used to call 'Mumba' after Mumbadevi, the Hindu goddess.When Mr. Gerald Aungier became the governor of Bombay, he made the city more populous by attracting Gujarati traders, Parsi ship-builders, and Muslim and Hindu manufacturers from the mainland. Sir Robert Grant (1779-1838) governor of Bombay from 1835 to 1838 constructed a number of roads between Bombay and the hinterland.

The first railway line of India between Victoria Terminus and Thana was inaugurated on 16th April 1853. The Great Indian Peninsular (GIP) and the Bombay Baroda and Central India (BB&CI) Railway were started in 1860 and a regular service of steamers on the west coast was commenced in 1869. After the Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Independence, the East India Company was accused of mismanagement and the islands of Bombay were reverted to the British Crown.Many buildings such as the Victoria Terminus, the General Post Office, Municipal Corporation, the Prince of Wales Museum, Rajabai Tower and Bombay University, Elphinstone College and the Cawasji Jehangir Hall, the Crawford Market, the Old Secretariat (Old Customs House) and the Public Works Department (PWD) Building were constructed in the later half of the 19th century. The Gateway of India was built to commemorate the visit of king George V and Queen Mary for the Darbar at Delhi in 1911.

Historic All India Congress Committee session was started on 7th of August 1942 at Gowala Tank Maidan. Mahatma Gandhi gave 'Quit India' call at this session. British arrested the Indian leaders soon afterwards but the momentum of the Quit India movement could not be stopped and led to the final withdrawal of the British on 15 August 1947.After independence, the state of Bombay was split into Maharashtra and Gujarat states in 1960 on linguistic basis, while the former retaining Bombay city as its capital. The Congress party continued to rule Maharashtra until 1994 when the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) replaced it. Later Bombay retained its original name Mumbai.

Entertainments in Mumbai City

To take a break from the day long exhausted work schedules, Mumbai has lots of sites, which can give a breathing rest. Gateway of India is a popular place where foreigners as well Indians enjoy a lot in Mumbai. One can also board a short journey to Elephanta Islands from here. Even feeding the pigeons by sitting near the monument too is quite relaxing.

The well-known Chowpatty Marine Drive beach is another place of leisure, where one can enjoy the crowd as well as the cool breeze of the sea. This beach is known for the hot happenings of the city. The buggy rides, the cool breezes, the food stalls offering spicy food add to the fun. The beach belts are the perfect family sites in Mumbai.

Mumbai has number of discotheques like the 1900s at the Taj Intercontinental, the Cellar at Oberois and the Cyclone at Leela Kempinski in case one is checking in any of these 5 stars. Else one can move to the RGs, Go Bananas, Razzberry Rhinoceros or J49.There are pubs and restaurants, which open up to late nights. The hip, hop and the happening Mumbai is dotted with pubs like the Leopold's Café Mondegar, the Tavern, The Pub, Studio, Earthquake, London Pub, Tot's, Illusions and Wild Orchids.

With the speciality restaurants mushrooming throughout Mumbai one can pack the tummies cuisines like the Chinese, Italian, Continental, Tex Mex besides the good old Indian. Chinese lovers can opt to the outlets like China Garden at Kemp's Corner, Ling's Pavilion at Colaba, Golden Dragon at the Taj, and Mainland China at Andheri.Italian cuisines can get at Trattoria's at the President or Shatranj Napoli at Bandra. Both the continental as well as the Tex Mex cuisines can be enjoyed at the Under the Over at Kemp's Corner. One can take the pick from Vintage, Palkhi, to Khyber's Copper Chimney, Mela, et al for the Indian food.

Mumbai Attractions

Travel to Mumbai, the land of celluloid dreams and opportunities. Mumbai is home to a good many place of tourist interest. From awe-inspiring topography to Victorian styled cityscape, your travel to Mumbai will open the Pandora's box that the city is known for.

Gateway of India The Gateway of India was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in 1911, and is the main attraction of Mumbai city. Historically, the gateway holds greater significance as the last of the British troops left Independent India by sea, marched through its portals. It is situated on the Apollo Bunder and one can go for a short cruise through Mumbai's natural harbour in one of the little motor launches that are stationed here.

Marine Drive A stroll down the Marine Drive is the best way to discover Mumbai. This winding stretch of road with tall buildings on one side and sea on the other extends from Nariman Point to Malabar Hills. Due to its curved shape and many streetlights, it was once called the Queen's Necklace. A popular sea front, Marine Drive is also the main thoroughfare linking Malabar Hills to the southernmost points of Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Nariman Point and Fort. Overlooking the Marine Drive are the beautiful Kamala Nehru Park - atop Malabar Hills with wonderfully cut hazes and roomy walkways; and the Hanging Gardens - built during the early 1880s over Mumbai's main reservoir at the top of the Malabar Hills.

Malabar Hill An up-market residential area with some spectacular views of the city surroundings, Malabar Hill is a must-see place when you travel to Mumbai. On the road climbing up, is a Jain temple dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain tirthankara.

Mani Bhawan is one of the important places to visit when you travel to Mumbai. Presently functioning as a Gandhi memorial, it used to be the Mumbai residence of Mahatma Gandhi. It is from this famous house No. 19, called Mani Bhawan, that Gandhiji was arrested in 1932. This two storied building houses a reference library with over 2000 books, a photo feature on the Mahatma's life, some memorabilia, an old Gandhiji's charkha and a film and recording archive.

Juhu Beach Is Nicknamed as the uptown bourgeois paradise, Juhu Beach is a place that attracts a large number of visitors throughout the year. Characterized by walkers, screaming children and courting couples, the beach covers an area of about 5 kilometres. Juhu beach is attractively studded with many five star hotels offering the customers a splendid view of the coast. The beach remains noticeably crowded on weekends. Moreover, the beach activities like camel rides, pony rides, acrobats, performing monkeys and entertainers will keep you enthralled all the time. Keep away from hawkers.

Chowpatty BeachAnother sandy gateway of Mumbai is the Chowpatty beach in the suburbs of the city. Chowpatty is perhaps the most famous beach of Mumbai, characterised by the usual hustle and bustle of stallwalahs, people snoozing under the shade of its stunted trees, screaming kids, Ferris wheels, pony rides, wayside astrologers, monkey shows, and even the odd self-styled gymnast demonstrating their skill for a fee. Moreover, the bhelpuri shops and sometimes the film shoot or a street play also adds to the festive atmosphere of the beach. A beach of action, Chowpatty is a must during your travel to Mumbai.Mumbai Marines

Prince of Wales Museum Built in 1914, the Prince of Wales Museum is surrounded by a beautiful landscape forming an ideal getaway from the bustle and hurry of the city. One of the best museums in the country, it is a treasure house of art, sculpture, china, rare coins, and old firearms. It also had priceless collection of miniature paintings.

Tower of Silence A peculiar site to visit in Mumbai is the Tower of Silence. Mumbai has a large number of Parsi population. The Parsis have the custom of leaving their dead in the open. These particular places are called "Towers of Silence", where the vultures come to eat the dead. For the Parsis, this is regarded as the final act of charity. Mumbai's Towers of Silence, have virtually disappeared today. Only a handful remains that attract a considerable number of tourists every year.

Jain Temple of Mumbai also makes an interesting place to visit in the city. Located on the Malabar Hill, the Jain temple houses frescoes depicting various events in the lives of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras. It also has a black marble shrine decorated with celestial personifications of the planets painted onto the ceiling.

Mumbai CSTChhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or Mumbai CST : Formerly known as Victoria Terminus or VT, this imposing building was designed by F.W. Stevens in the Gothic style. It is from here that the first train steamed out of Mumbai to Thane in 1853.

Haji Ali Mosque The tomb of a Muslim saint who died while on pilgrimage to Mecca. It is believed that a casket containing his mortal remains floated and came to rest on a rocky bed in the sea, where devotees constructed the tomb. Timings: 0600 hrs. to 2200 hrs.

Mahalaxmi Temple An important Hindu shrine, dedicated to the goddess of wealth, it is one of the landmarks of Mumbai.
Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Market (Crawford Market) : It was designed by William Emerson and constructed in 1867. It was named after Sir Arthur Crafword,
the then Municipal Commisioner of Mumbai. It is now renamed Mahatma Phule Market and is principally a fresh produce market selling, flowers, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, etc under one roof.

Nehru Centre It houses a permanent exposition "Discovery of India".It is a communication museum enabling visitors to discover India following the spirit of Jawaharlal Nehru, the 1st Prime Minister of India, who symbolised the ideals of enlightened curiosity. At present, the exposition comprises an introduction, audio visual show, six galleries and history wall that runs like a connecting line.The exposition is provided with synchronised audio visual presentation operated from a master control room

INS VikrantIndian Museum Ship INS Vikrant, India's first aircraft carrier which had been decommissioned a few years ago has now been converted into a floating museum known as "Indian Museum Ship Vikrant" and is berthed off the Gateway of India, Mumbai. The Museum is approachable only by launch service available from the Gateway of India.Timings : 1100 hrs. to 1700 hrs. Daily except Monday. The Museum is closed for public during monsoons. Entry Fee : Rs. 100/- (Adult) & Rs. 50/- (Child). Entry fee includes, to and fro launch charges and entry fee at the Museum.

Getting Around Mumbai

Mumbai is known for its excellent public transportation system, specially, buses. The local trains in Mumbai are also a good option to travel around the city and its suburbs. You can also avail of the services of the Auto – Rickshaws and the taxis.

Bombay (or Mumbai as it’s now known) is a bustling metropolis. When you find yourself on the streets of Bombay, the first strong stimulus is the staggering number of people! Population density is among the highest in the world and not surprisingly space is at a premium. Traffic crawls in the direction of any place that matters in this city.

The quickest way to get around the city is by its local trains. Trains are the quickest and the most inconvenient mode of travel, unless you’re going in the “opposite” direction. Over the years, Bombay has become home to a shifting population - the commercial southern side takes the burden during the day whereas the suburbs follow suit in the evening after work hours.

Every one who is active and earning wants to go to “town side” (i.e. Churchgate/VT/Nariman Point) in the mornings for work, and returns to the suburbs (Andheri/Borivali/Thane/Vashi) after work. That’s why the trains are packed in the “down” direction (i.e. going southwards) in the morning, and jammed with people in the “up” direction (i.e. northbound) in the evenings. Office peak hours stretch from almost 8 am to 12 noon and from 5 pm to 9 pm. During this time the local trains are almost fully packed and one must have to face many difficulties while catching the trains. But if you travel in the direction opposite to the office rush, you will find the trains empty! To enter and travel in a crowded train you need to be mentally quick, alert and uncompromising to survive the onslaught of bestiality in humans.

The other forms of transport available are the city’s buses (often taking too long to get from point A to point B); these local buses are known as BEST. Around 3500 local buses are there in Mumbai. Taxi cabs (usually available in town, south of Bandra/Sion) and autorickshaws (only allowed to run in the suburbs). Taxis are horribly expensive and often in bad shape, many of them being more than 8-10 years old. However, AC cabs have also been introduced some years ago, and these are better maintained and equipped with airconditioning, though more expensive.

Driving in the city is not recommended as it can be a frustrating experience for everybody. If you can afford AC cab or private taxi then hire it. If not, make the most of the local trains.

Kanheri Caves (42 Km.) : Carved out of native rock, the 112 caves that form the complex are considered the largest group of Buddhist caves in western India, belonging to the Hinayana Period. Kanheri Caves,The location of the Kanheri caves is so green with wooded hills and valleys, and it is at a distance of only 42 km from Mumbai. The architectures of this cave are regarded to be one of the finest in India. According to historians, these caves scooped out between 200 BC and 600 AD. The whole complex has 109 caves cut manually on the flank of a hill; each fitted with a stone plinth that evidently served as a bed,Timings: 0800 to 1800 hrs. Entry Fee: Rs.5/- (Indian); US $ 2 or Rs. 100/- (Foreigners).

Lakes in Mumbai Tulsi, Vihar, Vaitarna & Powai Lakes (32 Km., 28.6 Km., 122 Km. and 26.6 Km. respectively) : These are the major lakes supplying drinking water to Mumbai.Their ideal location close to the city makes them popular picnic spots

Mandwa and Kihim is nearly 10 km away from Mumbai. Kihim has dense coconut trees that give a pollution free green environment. This is a place for the nature lovers who want to spend some time with the beauty of the nature. The jungle of Kihim has different species of rare flowers, butterflies and birds. One can also enjoy perfect tent stay and a wonderful surfing

Borivili National Park (41 Km.) : This 104 Sq.Kms. stretch of lush green forests and streams is also known as the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. It boasts of a Lion Safari, Tiger Safari and deer park and offers a change from the hustle and bustle of the city

Ghodbunder (43 Km.) : Ghodbunder, a tiny village, is 7 km. from Borivli station. The village is situated at the base of a small hill which overlooks the Bassein Creek. On top of the hill is the Ghodbunder Fort, under Portuguese rule till 1737, when it was conquered by the Marathas

Ambarnath (61 Km.) :The famous Shiva temple of Ambarnath is believed to have been built by the Shilahara king Munmuniraja in 1060 AD. The exterior of the temple is decorated with beautiful figure sculptures related to Vaishnava and Shaiva themes from the Puranas. The interior of the shrine reveals lavishly carved surfaces. A local fair is held on Maha-Shivratri day every year. There are local trains from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (VT) to Ambernath from where one can hire a three wheeler

Karnala Bird Sanctuary (64 Km.) : On the Mumbai-Pune Highway, Karnala is a birdwatchers paradise offering a sight of variety of bird species, even to casual picnickers. About 150 species of birds have been spotted here, 30 of which are migratory. The rare Ashy minivet, a native of the Phillippines, has also been seen here. It has two distinct bird watching seasons - the begining of the monsoons and in winter, when many species of migrant birds can be seen. There are ST buses from Mumbai Central to Pen which is 20 km away and the nearest Railway Station is Panvel which is 12 km away

Titwala (75 Km.) : The temple of Maha Ganesh makes Titwala an important pilgrim place for devotees. Titwala is a Railway Station on the Central Railway line

Bassein Fort (77 Km.) : Built by Bahadur Shah - Sultan of Gujarat from 1526 -1537, this fort was intended to guard the coast against foreign powers. The fort passed hands from the Sultan to the Portuguese, Marathas and finally the British. Nearest Railway Station is Vasai Road (7 km). There are ST buses from Vasai Railway Station to Bassein Fort. 19 km away is Arnala Fort, (9 km from Virar) a beautiful sea port of Chhatrapati Shivaji. There are buses connecting Vasai city and Arnala Village and then ferry services to the Fort.

Ganeshpuri (82 Km.) : Spread over an area of 75 acres is the famous spiritual institute, Shri Gurudev Ashram or Gurudev Siddha Peeth, which was founded by the renowned Swami Nityananda in 1949 where he had three rooms built for his disciple, Swami Muktananda. In 1956, Swami Muktananda settled there permanently and the Ashram began to grow

Khandala, Lonavala and Karla are Located at an altitude of 625m, these hill stations for its beautiful hills, deep green valleys, huge lakes, historic forts and waterfalls etc. Lonavala and Khandala have magnificent waterfalls that give a heart catching view during monsoon. Tourists can plan their trip together with Karla, Bhaja, and Bedsa caves, which are very near from Lonavala. This hill stations are also known as the 'Jewel of Sahydri', because of its nature's gifted of beautiful valleys, hills, milky waterfalls, lush greenery, and pleasant cool winds. Khandala, Lonavala and Karla are 104 km from Mumbai and 64 km from Pune on the Mumbai-Pune highway.

MATHERAN (131 Km):This charming hill station, close to Mumbai, is known for its beautiful scenery. There are miles of quiet walks in and around the town. The enthusiastic hiker can cover the distance from Neral, where the broad-gauge line connection ends, to Matheran on foot. However, the journey by mountain rail is also a wonderful experience.The nearest airport is Mumbai 131 Km., which is connected with all important cities / towns.Rail ,Matheran is connected by mountain train with Neral 21 Kms.,which is on the Mumbai -Pune line of the Central Railway. However, the mountain train service is suspended during the monsoon

Alibaug (108 km) : A small seaside town, it is also a convenient base for visiting Kihim and Nagaon beaches and the Kolabad Fort, a sea fort which is approachable only during low tide.

Murud Janjira (165 km) : 51 km from Alibag, it was the capital of Janjira State. It is beautifully situated with a long stretch of beach. Janjira : Once a formidable fort, constructed in the 17th Century, it now stands in ruins. Janjira Fort is approachable via Rajpuri (6 km) from where it is connected by boat services.

Igatpuri (137 Km.) : It is a small town in Nashik district, famous for the Vipassana International Academy, which conducts courses in meditation. Details can be obtained from the Vipassana International Academy, Post Box No. 6, Dhammagiri, Igatpuri – 422403.

Malshej Ghat (154 Km.) : A popular hill station during the monsoons, Malshej Ghat is an ideal place for trekkers, hikers and for solitude seekers. It is also an abode for the famous migratory flamingoes during the monsoons. Kalyan Junction on the Central line is the nearest Railway Station. There are ST buses from Kalyan to Malshej Ghat.

Vajreshwari ( 90 Km.) : The Hot Springs, stretching about 7 km in the bed of the River Tansa, are mainly situated at Akloli, Vajreshwari, Ganeshpuri & Satvalli (33 km)The temperature of the water in the springs ranges from 43 deg.C to 49 deg.C. At the hot springs in Vajreshwari one can enjoy hot springs baths in exclusive and closed baths called "Kothawalla Baths". At the Akloli hot springs, there are provisions for long tubs & showers. Nearby are the Vajreshwari Temple, Bassein Fort, Parsuram Temple and Tungareshwar

History of Andheri, Mumbai

The oldest settlements in and around Andheri were those of the East Indians, the natives whose villages survive in Amboli, Marol, Chakala, Gundowli, Sahar, Saki, etc. Another concentration of the native East Indians was located on the former islet of Versova, also known as Vasave. In the early 1900s, as urbanization spread from Bombay northwards, Marathi, Gujarati and other settlers began to colonize the area.The English actively encouraged this in order to take off population pressure from the congested city and to increase revenue inflows; however, as a result, the native East Indians came to be swamped, marginalized and their lands were usually expropriated without compensation, even as their access to the sea for fishing was cut, thus destroying their two means of livelihood: agriculture & fishing.

In the 1950s the English built the Versova Causeway (the Versova Road) between Andheri on Sashti Island and the islet of Versova. The area on both sides of this causeway were rapidly filled in to develop areas now known as Dhake Colony, D.N. Nagar, Four Bungalows, Seven Bungalows, etc.One of the earliest colonies is the Dhake Colony on Versova Road, West Andheri. The five buildings of Dhake Colony were built around 1950, and they served as a landmark until recently. The area is now known as D.N. Nagar.Another of these early settlements is Bhardawadi. This lane forms a vital link with S.V. Road for the residents of Versova Road. It has been inhabited for the last ninety years. In the past, there were bungalows on this road; these gave way to apartment buildings, although there are still a few old bungalows, which is rare in Mumbai. This lane bustles with the sound of traffic which passes through it to reach S.V. Road.The popular Ganesha temple, Shree Vanchasiddhi Vinayak Ganesh Mandir, created in 1926, also contributed to the settlement of Andheri.Before 1945, Andheri was administered by a Collector as the "Suburban District"; in that year, the former Suburban District was absorbed by Mumbai city as Greater Bombay. However, the Suburban District was once again revived in about 2000 as the Mumbai Suburban District.

Travel To Mumbai

Mumbai Travel Guide, Know a little about Mumbai before You travel to the Vibrant City Mumbai

Weather

November to February is the coldest month in Mumbai, June to September are the monsoon months.

Local Transport

The local trains along with the local bus service run by the BEST carry the huge Mumbai's commuters. Local Trains leave every few minutes from stations in both directions from 4.30 am to 1.30 am. There are also yellow and black taxis, which are a convenient way to travel around the city.Auto Rickshaws also ply between Bandra To Borivali, But tourists must not forget to carry a tariff card converting the meter reading into rupees fixes payment. The three-wheeled auto-rickshaws are also metered but are only confined to the outer limits of the city, around the northern suburbs like Bandra to Borivali , Bandra, Andheri , Juhu beach, Goregaon, Malad, Powai,Santa Cruz, Ville Parle for short trip.Mumbai Metro Trains run in between Versova to Ghatkopar , which had reduced the Mumbai Traffic

Tourist Offices

Government of India Tourist Office.

123 Maharshi Karve Road, Opposite Churchgate Station.

Open: Monday to Friday.

Timings: 8.30am to 6pm.

Saturday: 8.30am to 2pm.

It also runs a 24-hour counter at the International airport and a counter at the domestic airport that stays open till the last flight.